This Chicago Marathon 2026 guide covers the October 11 race route, start times, Grant Park access, transportation, spectator rules, runner tracking and post-race plans. Runners and visitors can use it to navigate one of Chicago’s largest annual sporting events.
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take over Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing 55,000 participants onto a 26.2-mile course that starts and finishes in Grant Park. The race travels through 29 neighborhoods, making transportation and advance planning important for runners and spectators.
Chicago Marathon schedule and start times
Grant Park opens to runners at 5:30 a.m., along with gear check and start corrals.
The men's professional wheelchair race begins at 7:20 a.m., followed by the women's wheelchair field at 7:21 a.m. and handcycles at 7:23 a.m.
Professional runners start at 7:30 a.m. Wave 1 begins at 7:35 a.m., Wave 2 at 8 a.m. and Wave 3 at 8:35 a.m.
Grant Park opens to spectators and the 27th Mile Post-Race Party begins at 9:30 a.m. Both the party and gear check close at 4 p.m.
Chicago Marathon route
The Chicago Marathon course begins and ends in Grant Park and loops through downtown and neighborhoods on the North, West and South Sides.
Organizers describe the route as flat and fast. The course passes through 29 neighborhoods and is supported by thousands of volunteers and spectators. The official course map remains subject to change.
Spectator access and runner tracking
Spectators cannot enter the race's start and finish areas inside Grant Park unless properly credentialed or ticketed. Friends and family are encouraged to cheer from other locations along the course before meeting runners in designated post-race areas.
The official Chicago Marathon app provides live runner tracking, an interactive course map, athlete information and live results.
Transportation and getting around Chicago
Race organizers recommend using Chicago's CTA rail system because extensive street closures and parking restrictions will affect travel around the course.
See the full 2026 Chicago Marathon street closures and reopening schedule, including major roads, closure times and expected reopenings
Drivers should expect restrictions beginning early Sunday and should check the complete Chicago Marathon street closures and reopening schedule before traveling through affected neighborhoods.
Security rules at Grant Park
Everyone entering Grant Park must pass through security screening. Prohibited items include large bags, hard-sided coolers, bicycles, chairs, weapons, drones and pets other than service animals.
Participants should also review separate rules covering hydration backpacks, wheeled devices and equipment permitted on the race course.
With tens of thousands of runners and extensive transportation changes expected, checking the official course map, transit plans and race-day restrictions before leaving for Grant Park can make marathon day significantly easier for both participants and spectators.
